Wine Press Concert Series 2009
BNY Mellon Wealth Management 
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Big Band East starts it all off with a patriotic celebration on the Fourth of July. Established in 1975 and based in the heart of the Hamptons, Big Band East provides professional entertainment from Montauk to New York City, playing the authentic music and arrangements of such favorites as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Harry James and Benny Goodman. They'll take you back to the fabulous era of Swing, when music was played on vinyl records and jukeboxes.
The Kumalo Band spans musical styles from jazz to pop, from South African traditional grooves to Disco, to music for the very young or very old. Robbi Kumalo has sung back-up with such artists as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Jewel, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart and Harry Belafonte. Robbi is married to Grammy-winning bassist Bakithi Kumalo, whose long-standing association with Paul Simon since the album “Graceland” is a story unto itself. The Kumalo Band inspires audiences to enjoy the moment and free the music of the soul.
The members of the new group Cat Ballou — vocalist Leslie Zimei; Frank Ferrara, guitar; Chris Weigers, bass; John Marshall, tenor sax; and Shawn Murray, drums and percussion — are no strangers to the local music scene. They've played for 10 years with various groups, including jazz/blues bands Cadillac Moon and Honeysuckle Rose. For the last several months, they've been fine-tuning their own interpretations of blues and jazz artists. This winter, Cat Ballou played to packed houses during Long Island Winterfest Jazz on the Vine.
Hugh Prestwood, a 2006 inductee of the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame, has been writing hits for two decades. He was discovered in 1978 by Judy Collins, who recorded his first hit, “Hard Times For Lovers.” A staff writer for BMG music, Mr. Prestwood has penned No. 1 hits for Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood, Michael Johnson, Shenandoah (“Ghost In This House”), Crystal Gayle and Collin Raye. He has also composed hits for Highway 101, Anne Murray, Michael Johnson, Ty England and Kathy Mattea; many other well-known artists have recorded his songs. Mr. Prestwood has won numerous awards, including Best Original Song and Song of the Year for “The Song Remembers When.” Hugh Prestwood will be joined by popular Nashville country music talents James Dean Hicks and Richard Leigh.
Matt Marshak's live shows overflow with passion, energy, crowd interaction and intensity as the guitarist throws a series of blues, rock, soul and jazz licks. As one of the freshest faces on the contemporary jazz scene, he has captured the flavor of his popular live shows with his fourth major release, “Family Funktion,” due out this summer on Nuance Records. Influential CD 101.9 Radio in New York named Mr. Marshak one of the best new smooth-jazz artists, and JazzTimes gave his previous two CDs glowing reviews. Mr. Marshak was a big hit with audiences during Long Island Winterfest Jazz on the Vine.
July 4 Big Band East
Martha Clara Vineyards
July 11 The Kumalo Band
Jamesport Winery
July 25 Cat Ballou
Peconic Bay Winery
Aug. 1 Hugh Prestwood
Castello di Borghese Vineyard
Aug. 15 Matt Marshak
Laurel Lake Vineyards
All performances take place under a tent or covered deck and run from 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine.
The ticket price has been reduced from the usual $20 to $15 as a “recession special.” Ages 12 and under admitted free. Tickets are available at the gate or in advance at East End Arts Council, 133 East Main St., Riverhead, 727-0900, eastendarts.org.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner if you wish. Wine will be sold by the bottle or glass; no outside alcohol is permitted.